Full Transcript for Connection driving action - Digital Health Week Conference 2026

⁓ And it's the first time doing it really, really in partnership. And so it should feel different because it's really connected. Alex Kemp: put Stella. It's to have DHL working with us and to really see the industry. voice coming through in partnership this year, which I think will make a real difference. Physically, the conference is going to look different. So we're going to have a more integrated feel. both Stella and I have been really clear on the vision that this has to be a conference which is about action and about real change. ⁓ so we're bringing everyone together as equal value parts of the community to talk and really those that lead to meaningful change, moving away from talking about change, which is often how conferences can be. And think it's going to be a really exciting, practical, integrated, driven, connection-focused event where hopefully people will come out of it really moving towards action rather than inspired to think about action. Rebecca McBeth: So as you said, it is the first time HINZ and DHA have co-led the event. ⁓ So does this partnership enable that hasn't been possible before? Alex Kemp: We're getting... the voices of all the communities coming forward, Stella has been able to contribute both from her longevity in the sector, which has been fantastic, but also really ensuring that industry have an equal voice in how everything is shaped. So we are able to really have better knowledge on what industry needs. So you'll see our sponsorship options look a lot different to previous years, that the way that our stages are formed look really different to previous years. really focused on how we can bring everybody together to have those conversations. So exhibition hall and the speaking areas will be combined for the first time this year ⁓ we'll have lots of opportunity for people to have meaningful discussions away from a exhibition space and single speaking rooms which I think will create some interesting and really valuable discussions for everybody. Stella Ward: would support that and probably the thing I love about it is or human-centered design practice ⁓ suggests that you can create moments where people ⁓ with different can collide and connect, ⁓ then innovation an ⁓ opportunity for action, is what Alex spoke about, is our focus, can occur. ⁓ So there's plenty opportunity. ⁓ from the traditional space, yep, you can go to the exhibition booths and yes, sponsors are going to be on stage and yes, there's going to be plenary speakers and all of the things that you would expect from a conference. But the look and feel that Alex described means that there's going to be more meeting spaces, more connection opportunities, more spaces you can go and book and have a conversation with that person that you meet in the coffee cart queue to then say, ⁓ let's talk a little bit more about that. And hopefully that will help. bring and build that momentum for action and change. And innovation hopefully too. Rebecca McBeth: Mm. ⁓ both talked about designing the conference around the entire ecosystem. if you can just talk about who are some of the key groups you're trying to bring into the room who perhaps haven't been in there before or might not necessarily see themselves as digital people, ⁓ but know that they need engage and move forward in terms of technologies. And why does it matter particularly now that we do that? Stella Ward: Well, I would argue, and I Alex will be able to speak to some of the communities that together we're targeting, but I would argue that there's no such thing as health without digital. And so even if you think that you haven't got anything to contribute a conversation, you do. So if you're a non-clinical, clinical, a leader, a funder, a student, a teacher, an industry member, Engineer, you've got something to contribute to this community got something that you can learn as well ⁓ and that's how we are going to be able to create the kinds of tools and processes and opportunities ⁓ for to be that enabler of improving access and outcomes for the health of our population here in Aotearoa. Alex Kemp: The World Health Organisation says that by 2030 everybody in health, disability and the wider social sector will be using digital tools. So we're talking about people who are already probably using some of these tools and don't realise they are and are definitely using these tools in everyday life. They're going to be required to use these tools to enable better outcomes for the community. So anybody who has an interest in making better health outcomes happen for the community and for whanau should be at this conference. We also know how important it is for our innovators in our industry to be connecting with frontline health workforce and with the community in order to develop the right tools that actually will lead to meaningful change. three quarters of tools that are developed without that input aren't going to work well. So this is for everybody to come together from those who are developing the tools, from those who are going to be using the tools, ⁓ in research who are evaluating the tools and working out what else is going to happen and trialling conceptual tools those who are training the next generation of the health workforce and clinical skills to come together, learn, ⁓ share their knowledge about what's working and what's not, what are the gaps in the health system and share great ideas that could be turned into wonderful innovations for the future. That's a great opportunity to have those conversations. Rebecca McBeth: and I think what makes it unique a of ⁓ industry and other people go to conferences all over the world do say that that trusted environment where it's not us, ⁓ them, everyone's in it working towards the same goal which is ultimately better healthcare, better patient outcomes ⁓ and seeing each other's and being willing to talk and learn from them is something which has always been really special about Digital Health Week

and I know will continue. And I know you've also ⁓ Stella Ward: you Rebecca McBeth: lot of work, both of you around, really engaging with other sector organisations, ⁓ other not-for-profits, that represent our health workforce to say, you digital is quite a specialised subject in ways, but let's engage. We can support each other ⁓ to really, bring your workforce forward and educate them well. Could you just talk to that a little bit in terms of those... other engagements. Alex Kemp: We've been both forming very strong relationships across the sector, other health professional associations, sector associations, ⁓ work with them to say, where can we, by coming together, ⁓ great change? And those relationships are really fundamental going forward, both in bringing the knowledge from those sectors through, and also by sharing what we know and connecting with those that we know are experts in digital health. a really connected network, ecosystem, community, whichever words you want to use, that really is effectively and efficiently making sure that we united where we need to be, where we stand individually where we need to be, but so that we're sharing that knowledge really effectively across the system. Stella Ward: Good point Alex. I would add, I think it's the fact that we're two speech language therapists who come from a profession that thinks about human connection and ⁓ communication how important it is to get people to come together and try and understand each other and find a common language in order to be able to grow. And so what has traditionally been, you know, ⁓ Alex Kemp: Haha Stella Ward: There's a rural sector and there's the aged care sector and there's the primary sector and there's the hospital and then there's the not-for-profits and all of these of pillars ⁓ the ecosystem. And nothing wrong with that. are important opportunities to deep dive into what that means for each of those. ⁓ And as Alex described, there's the professional networks and the industry networks. But this creates the opportunity for ⁓ the connection of all parties to come together and find that common language and find that opportunity to connect and work together and collaborate for action and change. Alex Kemp: one of the most underrated factors in change. ⁓ And such a critical factor in change. if you just take that moment to hear somebody's story, ⁓ to their why for being in the room, it can make all the difference to building those relationships that we know. ⁓ We talk about change needing to be sustained past political changes, past changes within areas. ⁓ We that if you can build that trust, that relationship can sustain. and that is what's really going to lead to meaningful change. Rebecca McBeth: just going on from that, we do know the digital health sector is dealing with, ⁓ got workforce pressures, it's got funding constraints, there's hugely growing digital expectations. And said, you you want this to result in change, ⁓ but do you avoid the conference becoming talk-heavy with little real action afterwards? Alex Kemp: it wet dog syndrome because people go to an event and they come back going, it's amazing, it's amazing and then the wet dries off and they end up with the same situation happening. And I know Stella will be able to talk well to this because it's something that she's historically shown in her career as being a critical part of sustainable change. From the design of the conference point of view, everything from the way that we ask people to submit abstracts is going to be really focused on where real change has occurred. How can you show the difference that change has made to the community? Where did change go wrong and how can we stop that from happening Right through ⁓ to ⁓ making sure that ⁓ our conversations that we're having those days to ⁓ after the event. This is just about the event itself, it's about the sustained communities of practice that both DHA and HINZ have going on and carrying on those conversations in meaningful ways after the conference. Stella Ward: the thing about change or talkfest is when people disempowered and actually all of have ability to make a small difference and ⁓ every little small difference as as it's all going the same direction ⁓ can have a massive impact for people that we are serving. whether that's a small community or a large community depending on where you sit in the ecosystem. And I think the fact that we will have ⁓ leaders and makers and inspiring speakers around the world ⁓ part of program and we will people who are doing it in their community or in their service or in their team sharing their stories, then you see the breadth ⁓ of opportunity for their being about action and momentum. And that gives decision makers confidence that actually there's this huge capability and sure if you only focus on all the problems then you just come up with a very good polished problem. But if you demonstrate there's actually a whole lot of solutions that are already in play and that someone could hitch their wagon to a solution that's already in play then the momentum can build and I think that's what's exciting. Alex Kemp: also got some really cool new ⁓ ideas for speaking sessions during conference. ⁓ So we out for things like Dragon's Den type situations. working through problems live on stage from different parts of the sector, some really great ways of showing that change in action by bringing people together and promoting that cross-sector attendance on stage so you can see live how things are going. So watch out for those great program that come through. Rebecca McBeth: something I've always about the community and the conferences is that mixture of people who are in digital health, they care, they want to make things better, and they've also got that optimism of belief ⁓ in technology as one of the enablers of that, and that change can and that things will improve. I always think that creates an amazing buzz at these events.

Stella, you did talk about industry as a core part of healthcare delivery and it's about ensuring industry voices and expertise are meaningfully included Can you just ⁓ on that a little bit? What do you mean by that? Stella Ward: Well, with the support of Alex and the HINZ team in ⁓ how we'll together for this first time ⁓ is that will have greater opportunities to contribute to speaking slots industry will also have opportunities to attend ⁓ sessions. And so the thing being the industry body is that think that there isn't any people who have clinical background, but many, of our industry members have got clinicians on their team who are supporting ⁓ deployment, development and change as these tools are rolled out across various parts the sector. ⁓ So that's the, guess, probably the most meaningful. ⁓ Industries still are in supporting booths and sponsorship. because that's a core part of how industry also like to show up. But what we've done is expanded the way that industry can show up by creating opportunities for them to contribute to the program, in MC stages ⁓ also be on panels and ⁓ sessions as anyone else can. Rebecca McBeth: Alex, redesign. I know we did some feedback after the last conference and you talked to a lot of people about how we can improve things. We're always looking to do that. So what have been some of the most consistent messages you've heard from attendees and sponsors ⁓ at past that you're putting into action now? Alex Kemp: One of the strongest themes that has come through is the reason why people attend conferences. They always want to attend to hear great innovation and great speakers but also attend because they to connect with people. I don't know if any of you have ever done what I've done and attended a conference and actually barely gone in the room because you're connecting with so many people outside the room. So we're creating intentional space for people to be able to connect at this event. We also know that people want a chance to be able to connect with their kinfolk, with people like them. And for some people that may be people who they don't know about yet because they're just starting in an area or because geographically they're so separated Who is having challenges moving ⁓ from a great idea into actually trialling Who else is having challenges with a wonderful tool ⁓ actually accepted by their managers within their practice? What are they doing wrong? So going to give those opportunities for people to speak. We also know that as much as we rely on industry to ⁓ enable this event without them, it would not be practically affordable for people to be able to register to go. It is really through their sponsorship that what is right for one part of industry is not necessarily right for another. So we're really, thanks to the great work of Stella and her team, enabling a wide range of options for different parts of the industry and innovation ecosystem to be able to contribute third really importantly that

we know is that people don't... respond well to what they feel is sales pitches. So it's always been kaupapa of HINZ ⁓ they focus on the meaningful that their contribution, ⁓ their product or their technology is made to the ⁓ But they do that in a way that really Stella said, using those translation skills So we've got ⁓ some great guidelines and some great parameters those contributing their knowledge about a particular topic to be able to make sure that it's meaningful and translates in a way that other communities there will be able to understand. Rebecca McBeth: Great, thanks Alex. Can you just tell us a little bit more about the details? You know, the venue, the pricing and you know the improved accessibility that you're looking to offer this year for the people to attend. Alex Kemp: So this year ⁓ we are holding the Digital Health Week Conference at Event Centre in Manukau. And if you've ever been to this ⁓ event centre, as soon as you walk in, it like community. ⁓ It's ⁓ in Manukau, so great accessibility from the for who are travelling. And when you walk into it, it has this great around the outside where people can connect. and where people can talk to each other. And then it has two inner areas that are beautifully connected where we're going to hold the exhibition and our speaking stages together. So it's all combined in one community feel. Dewdrop Event Centre is a social good initiative as well. So they contribute back into expanding arts and culture in their community and the way that they work within their community. really felt aligned with our purpose of connecting DHA and HINZ and connecting the whole of our digital health community, digital health ecosystem together during this two-day event. We've been able to agree that pricing is important for everybody this year. So we've made a commitment to make the registration price materially lower than last year and have a wider range of for those who want to contribute to sponsorship this year. So we're looking forward to being able to provide those to you. great opportunity to sponsor other people attending too. So that's something I really want to promote, is you'll have the ability to contribute towards someone such as a student or in an NGO or in a particular sector to be able to attend the conference who may not otherwise be able to afford it. Rebecca McBeth: Excellent. And so yeah, looking ahead to November Stella, what would success look like for you, for the DHA and for the partnership as the conference wraps up? Stella Ward: Great question, what does success look like? First of all, that we have a fantastic event we've got good sponsorship engagement, good industry engagement, good ticket sales, ⁓ and program that inspires people. That's kind of the baseline success. Then ⁓ in of what we want to see is those connections happening, the collaboration happening, and the... passion I guess and the building momentum for people to take away something and go and put it into action and be inspired to do that. then I guess the other ⁓ that ⁓ demonstrated how to work together and we're looking ahead for what else we can do as partners ⁓ support both our members in different ways but our combined impact and how it contributes to New Zealand's economy. and the improved health outcomes for New Zealanders. Alex Kemp: I hope that people come up to me and they say, I've learnt something, I've met many people and I'm changing lots. And in that order importance. And I agree with Stella, ⁓ believe that this is beginning of a great relationship between HIMS and DHA and how we can show together that we are stronger when it comes to partnering with this event. And I hope that we get that feedback, that people say we can really feel the difference that this event made in terms of the partnership and we can really see the added value it gave us as members of both organisations and as the wider community of the two organisations coming together. I also hope that we're all not too tired by the end of it and that we get to enjoy a wonderful great two days with people who are aligned in their thinking. And that we do come away with that feeling of inspired but inspired to act and inspired to keep going and inspired to stay connected so that we start to see some of that connection continuing three months, six months, a year after the event. Rebecca McBeth: yeah, I've always loved the stories when people say, ⁓ I met my future employer at Digital Health Week, or they met someone else who was doing a project the same as them, but in the North Island, and ⁓ didn't know, and the connection helped them so much in terms of, that change and not reinventing the wheel, which is ⁓ obviously not something we want be doing. ⁓ I always find those stories inspiring and you hear them every year. So I'm sure we'll get more in 2026. I do have to wrap it up there though. So thanks for joining me today. Stella and Alex been really interesting and inspiring discussions. So look forward to seeing how the conference progresses and we'll be sharing more information ⁓ that. ⁓ our listeners, be sure to like and subscribe to this podcast to make it easier for others to find. ⁓